Cody Casey
Cooking Atlantic salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, tasty meal. Depending on the weight of the salmon fillet, the make and model of the air fryer, and whether the salmon is fresh or frozen, the cooking time will vary between 6 and 15 minutes. The air fryer cooks salmon evenly, resulting in a tender, flaky centre and a crispy exterior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 6-11 minutes |
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 390°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 135-145°F |
| Marinade time | Quick glaze right before cooking |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, honey, ginger powder, teriyaki sauce, hot honey, BBQ sauce |
| Skin | Skin-side down |
| Clean-up | Line basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time for 6-ounce fillets
Cooking Atlantic salmon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The cooking time for 6-ounce fillets is typically around 6 to 10 minutes at 400°F, depending on the desired degree of doneness and the make and model of the air fryer.
To prepare the salmon, start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess. Then, brush them with melted butter or olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other seasonings like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
When cooking the salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket. If desired, you can line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 6 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. The salmon is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 135°F for a medium doneness.
It's important to note that air fryers may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature, so adjustments may be necessary. Additionally, if you're cooking frozen salmon, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the salmon for about 7 minutes before adding any glazes or sauces.
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Cooking frozen salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by selecting frozen Atlantic salmon fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You can choose skin-on or skinless salmon, depending on your preference. If you opt for skin-on, place the salmon skin side down in the air fryer to prevent overcooking. It is recommended to buy individually wrapped fillets to easily grab the desired amount and prevent freezer burn.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). The specific temperature may depend on the model of your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Season the Salmon (Optional)
While seasoning is optional, it can add a lot of flavor to your dish. You can brush the salmon with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and enhance browning. For added flavor, consider using avocado oil or spraying the salmon with lemon or lime juice. You can also sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spices on top. Fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can also be used.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired doneness. For thinner fillets, 12 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker fillets may require up to 18 minutes. If you prefer your salmon well done, aim for a cooking time of around 15 minutes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
To ensure your salmon is cooked to your liking, it's important to check its doneness. The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the fillet. If you prefer your salmon less cooked, aim for a temperature of 125°F to 135°F (51°C to 57°C) for medium to medium-well.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your salmon has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favorite sides. Consider pairing it with rice, quinoa, salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and nutritious meal. Don't forget to squeeze some lemon juice over your salmon for a burst of freshness!
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Marinades and glazes
Marinating salmon before air frying is a great way to add flavour to your fish. However, salmon doesn't need long in a marinade—too long and it can become mushy. A quick glaze just before cooking is a good alternative.
A popular glaze is a mixture of honey and garlic. You can also add soy sauce to this mixture for a honey garlic soy glaze. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a sweet and spicy kick, add sriracha to the honey, garlic, and soy sauce mixture.
For a different flavour profile, you can try a maple soy glaze. Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, and garlic. Marinate the salmon for 10 to 15 minutes, or 5 minutes if you're short on time. If you don't want to use sriracha, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard.
If you want to cook with a glaze from the start, reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for a little longer. Alternatively, you can add the glaze during the last couple of minutes of cooking or drizzle it over the salmon once it's done.
To cook the salmon, pat the fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Then, brush the glaze over the salmon. Place the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 to 8 minutes, or until cooked through. If you're using minced garlic, keep it around the salmon instead of on top to prevent burning.
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Cooking with or without skin
Cooking Atlantic salmon in an air fryer is a fast and flexible method that yields moist and flaky results. The cooking time is generally between 6 to 11 minutes at 400°F (204°C) for a fillet with the skin on or off.
Cooking with Skin On:
When cooking with the skin on, it is recommended to place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer. This helps the fish hold together during cooking, and it is easier to remove the skin after cooking. The skin also helps to keep the salmon moist and flaky. If you want crispy skin, you can cook with the skin-side up.
Cooking with Skin Off:
If you prefer to cook your salmon without the skin, you can simply place the fillets directly into the air fryer. The cooking time will remain the same, but it is important to note that the fillets may be more delicate without the skin holding them together.
Tips for Cooking Atlantic Salmon in an Air Fryer:
- It is not necessary to wrap the salmon in foil, and doing so may make it harder for the fish to crisp.
- There is no need to flip the salmon during cooking, as the constant heat circulation in the air fryer will cook it evenly.
- To prevent overcooking, it is best to slightly undercook the salmon and add more time as needed.
- For easy cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet.
- To ensure your salmon isn't dry, remove it from the air fryer around 135°F (57°C) and let it rest. The residual heat will bring it to the desired temperature.
- You can cook vegetables alongside the salmon, such as green beans, asparagus, or roasted potatoes.
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Seasoning and spices
A basic seasoning mix for salmon cooked in an air fryer includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can sprinkle these spices directly onto the salmon fillets, or mix them with olive oil and brush the mixture onto the salmon. You can also add a layer of Dijon mustard before applying the seasoning for a tangy kick.
If you want to get more creative, you can try different spice combinations. For a bright, zesty flavour, swap the paprika for lemon pepper seasoning. For a little spice and bold flavour, use Cajun seasoning. If you're looking for a simple, herby twist, add dried oregano and thyme. For a sweet and smoky flavour, swap the paprika for smoked paprika and add brown sugar. You can also experiment with glazes, such as teriyaki sauce, honey, or a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
When it comes to applying the seasoning, you can simply eyeball the amounts and sprinkle them directly onto the salmon. This allows for an evenly coated crust. You can also mix the spices with olive oil or butter and brush the mixture onto the salmon.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations you enjoy the most. With the variety of seasoning options, you can make air fryer salmon a regular part of your meal rotation without it becoming boring.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 11 minutes to cook Atlantic salmon in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the weight of the salmon fillet. For example, a 6-ounce fillet will take around 6 minutes to cook.
You should preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F. Let it heat up for about 5 minutes and then place the salmon, skin-side down, in the basket.
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The fish will also easily flake with a fork when it is cooked.
